Hello Everyone!

Today was my 22nd radiation treatment. That means only 12 to go. This is an exciting countdown!! I saw my Dr. today and he said things are going very well. My skin has broken down in several places which is painful at times, but I am using neosporin and gobs of lotion regularly as directed. I also got a prescription for something a little stronger which I will get tomorrow.

The worst part of this has been that darn old wound from the infection. The packing of one of the holes was getting terribly painful. Dr. Godellas, who is watching the wound, came down from surgery to radiology to see me. (He also saw me at our Big Hearts concert when he came to hear his daughter sing!) He said the wound looks good considering that radiation delays healing. Now Tim only has to pack the less painful of the two holes and we can let the other one close up. Hurray!!!!!

Last Friday we were able to go out to dinner at Roy's downtown with Emily and Dan. We had a great time catching up. When we got home we watched old videos of when the kids were little. Yes, we laughed alot!

That's all for now,

Karen

Greetings friends!

Well I can't believe that I am halfway through radiation. They tell you it will go by quickly which at the time seems hard to grasp. I have 17 treatments left. So far I only have a very sore spot about the size of a silver dollar near my neck. The rest of the area is starting to turn light pink but nothing too bad yet! Last week my radiologist told me they were having difficulty lining me up for treatment on the machine. Instead of one tech, he wanted me to have two. Naturally, I can't just be the norm! This means going at lunch each day instead of after school. The traffic is better and the teachers are very helpful if I need to switch a class time. It's a long day, but I come home and nap and get to bed early. I seem to have a decent energy level so far.

Once again, it's a blessing to be so close to Loyola. One of the women I met during chemo now comes in daily from Palatine.

I got through my Valentine programs and the kids did well as always. It felt great to get home on Friday and just relax. In August I couldn't even imagine that I would be able to get through all the programs this year. All those prayers certainly helped!

Tim is still packing that darn wound twice a day. It's closed up quite a bit but still has a way to go. The radiation will probably delay the healing process. I am looking so forward to being done with that!

Thanks again for the many kind ways that you have reached out to me during this battle,

Karen

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

I've been in bed all day catching up on my sleep and trying to get rid of a nasty cough and cold. Unfortunately, I have to miss great Super Bowl party too! Next week will take all the stamina I can gather. It's the big Kdg. Valentine performance week. I have dress rehearsals on Mon. and Tues. and programs on Wed., Thurs. and Fri. Needless to say I am very much looking forward to next weekend.

Week #2 of radiation went just fine. They of course are having a little problem lining me up due to the changes that packing my wound makes. That darn infection!! It means they have to take more pictures than usual because they are being extra cautious. So far the only effect I have is a little rash near my neck. I'll talk to the doctor tomorrow about it. I will see him every Monday. I'm in the routine of driving daily to Loyola. The wonderful people that I work with are very helpful making sure I get going on time.

10 treatments down and 24 more to go. I love counting down!

Have a great week!

Karen